Auto Tags in Northeast Philadelphia: Local Tag Service Guide

What does an auto tag agency do?

A tag agency helps you complete the paperwork for a vehicle title (the document that proves who owns the car) and registration (the permission to drive it on public roads, with a license plate). PennDOT, the state agency that handles this, works with private businesses it calls authorized agents and messengers. According to PennDOT, an agent can complete title and registration applications and issue temporary registration, while an online messenger handles limited title and registration services such as renewals and duplicate titles through an online connection with PennDOT. United Business Center is one of these authorized agents: we handle registrations (new and renewals), tags and title transfers for our customers.

These businesses may charge a market-driven service fee on top of PennDOT's own fees, and the fee varies from business to business. That is normal, but always ask for the total before you pay. Many tag services also offer related help such as notary service and insurance. Our services include registration and tags, title transfers, notary public, translations of certain documents, LLC and EIN preparation, and parking tickets help. We also sell auto, motorcycle, truck, home and business insurance, including SR-22 and coverage for new drivers: we are P&C licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and work with several insurers. For the notary side, read what a Pennsylvania notary can and cannot do.

United Business Center is an authorized PennDOT agent. Before you pay, we tell you what we handle and what, if anything, you must do directly with PennDOT.

Which tasks can I do online with PennDOT, and which need a storefront?

Some things really are easy to do yourself. Others need an authorized agent or a signature in front of a notary. This is what PennDOT's own pages say:

For the full steps, see how to title and register a car in Philadelphia. PennDOT also stopped issuing registration stickers on December 31, 2016, but you must still carry your registration card.

How does remote service by WhatsApp and Zelle work?

You do not have to live next door. United Business Center works remotely by WhatsApp and Zelle, so people from across Northeast Philadelphia and beyond can start with a message instead of a trip:

1. Message us on WhatsApp at (267) 607-1477 and tell us what you need (for example: “I bought a car from a private seller” or “my registration is expiring”).
2. We tell you which documents are needed for your case and whether any step has to be done in person, such as a signature in front of a notary.
3. When you are ready to pay, ask us in WhatsApp which exact name and phone number or email Zelle should show, and check that it matches before you send anything.

Some steps cannot be done by phone: a notarization needs you in front of the notary, and a title application needs the original documents. Send us your case on WhatsApp and we will tell you exactly which steps need a visit.

Where is United Business Center and when are you open?

• Address: 8102 Bustleton Ave, Store Front, Philadelphia, PA 19152 (Northeast Philadelphia).
• Phone and WhatsApp: (267) 607-1477. Office line: (215) 728-7114. Fax: (215) 728-7144.
• Email: insurance.8102@gmail.com
• Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:30, Saturday 10:00-14:30, Sunday closed.
• Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Neighbors from Bustleton, Fox Chase, Somerton, Torresdale, Rhawnhurst, Holmesburg, Mayfair, Parkwood and the surrounding area are welcome to stop by or write to us first.

Can I get help in Portuguese or Spanish?

Yes. Car paperwork is confusing even in your own language, because the words are American: “title”, “tag”, “registration”, “notary”, “PennDOT”, “lien”. We explain them in English, Portuguese or Spanish, and we can tell you which document is which before you sign. We also translate certain documents: ask us which ones. If you are new to the country, registering a car in Pennsylvania with an immigrant ID is a good next read. We do not give legal or immigration advice.

What should I bring for the most common visits?

• Renew registration: plate number, title number, insurance information and the odometer reading. Online renewal needs a credit card and a printer.
• New to Pennsylvania with an out-of-state car: PennDOT says to apply within 20 days of establishing residency. Bring the out-of-state title in your name, proof of Pennsylvania insurance showing effective and expiration dates, and a valid Pennsylvania photo license or ID (or another accepted credential). A newly registered vehicle must pass a safety inspection within ten days. See moving to Pennsylvania and transferring an out-of-state title.
• Bought a car from a private seller: the Pennsylvania title signed by the seller (notarized or verified), the seller's mileage, your Pennsylvania driver's license or photo ID, and a copy of your insurance ID card.
• Lost title: ask us first. A duplicate title is requested with Form MV-38O.

How do I avoid auto tag and Zelle scams?

Zelle works like cash: the FTC says sending money through a payment app is like sending cash and it is very hard to get back, and the CFPB notes that mobile payment services generally do not have a recall feature. So the protection happens before you tap send:

• Confirm the receiver's name on the Zelle screen before you pay. It should match the business name you were given by phone or WhatsApp. If it does not, stop.
• Verify the business yourself: call a phone number you know is real, and check that the storefront and address exist.
• Ask for the total in writing, split into PennDOT fees and the agent's service fee.
• Do not pay anyone who insists on a payment app, gift cards, cryptocurrency or a wire transfer as the only way to pay.
• If you think you paid a scammer, report it to your payment app and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov right away.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get auto tags in Northeast Philadelphia?

United Business Center, an authorized PennDOT agent, is at 8102 Bustleton Ave, Store Front, Philadelphia, PA 19152. We are open Monday to Friday 10:00-17:30 and Saturday 10:00-14:30, and you can also start by WhatsApp at (267) 607-1477.

Is a tag agency the same as PennDOT?

A tag agency works with PennDOT. PennDOT is the state agency; authorized agents like United Business Center are independent offices under contract with PennDOT that handle tag, registration and title paperwork, and they may charge a service fee on top of PennDOT's fees.

Can I renew my registration online instead?

Often yes. PennDOT says most currently insured passenger vehicles can renew online if your name and address are on file and no more than 6 months remain on your registration. You need your plate number, title number, insurance information, odometer reading, a credit card and a printer.

Can everything be done by WhatsApp and Zelle?

Not always. We work remotely by WhatsApp and Zelle, but some steps, such as a notarization or handing over original documents, need an in-person visit. Message us your case and we will tell you.

How do I pay safely by Zelle?

Confirm the receiver's name on the Zelle screen before you send, and check it against the business name you were given. Zelle payments are very hard to get back, so never pay someone you have not verified.

Do you speak Portuguese and Spanish?

Yes. We speak English, Portuguese and Spanish. Habla español, fala português.

How much does it cost?

PennDOT's fees are listed on its fee schedule (Form MV-70S), and agents add their own service fee. Ask us for the total for your case before you pay.